The MTV Staying Alive Foundation (MTV SAF) has unveiled the lead cast of the MTV Shuga Mashariki TV series, with the premiere set for May.
This fresh generation of Kenyan talent will be introduced to millions of viewers across the continent, further cementing MTV Shuga’s reputation as a launchpad for some of Kenya’s brightest stars.
This season brings together an eclectic mix of rising stars and seasoned talent including Serah Wanjiru, known for her groundbreaking role in the Netflix series Volume (2023), Basil Mungai for his standout performances in various productions including his breakout lead character in the acclaimed film Click Click Bang (2022), and Matthew Ngugi, who played a lead role in the Netflix series Mo Faya (2024) brings his signature intensity.
Others are Wilson Muchemi, Fatuma Gichuru, Julie Brenda, Fridah Mumbe, Mariam Bishar and Makena Kahuha, each bringing unique energy and depth to the latest chapter of the award-winning MTV Shuga franchise
Known for his comedy and light-hearted social media content, Wilson Muchemi’s role on the show is his first TV role, marking an exciting transition from his world of digital content creation. This is also to be Fatuma Gichuru’s first major TV lead role after a strong foundation on stage and an appearance on notable series and films.
Julie Brenda brings her authenticity to screen, having won Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the African Smartphone Film Festival (2020).
Prolific Kenyan actress and stunt performer Fridah Mumbe brings her A-game, having featured on several notable series and films, including Pepeta, for which she won the Female Actor of the Year Award in 2023 from the People’s Choice Awards Kenya.
Mariam Bishar is a popular radio show host who takes on her first TV acting role, presenting a new addition to her experience in broadcast media.
Rounding out the ensemble is Makena Kahuha, a talented thespian with over 30 stage plays under her belt. She has also appeared in several top Kenyan series including ‘Subterranea’ (2024) on Showmax and “Country Queen” (2022) on Netflix.
Set in the dynamic world of campus life, MTV Shuga Mashariki maintains its unwavering focus on storytelling to change the lives of Kenyan youth. From script to screen, this season’s storylines are informed by local, youth-centred research and designed to tackle restrictive, harmful gender norms that affect the outcomes of young people’s lives. In its return, the production of MTV Shuga Mashariki draws from extensive evidence that has shown that authentic storytelling can help shift restrictive norms, at scale.
Through a series of rigorous nationwide physical and virtual auditions held in October 2024, over 1,600 aspiring actors from across Kenya had the opportunity to step into the spotlight.
“MTV Shuga Mashariki marks a bold new chapter in the Shuga universe,” MTV Staying Alive Foundation Country Manager (Kenya) Mitchelle Kimathi said. “We are proud to bring together a diverse cast that authentically reflects Kenyan culture while addressing the complex challenges young people face daily.”
The new season, helmed by renowned Kenyan directors Mkaiwawi ‘Mkay’ Mwakaba (Makosa ni Yangu, 4Play), June Ndinya (Prefects, Flash Squad), Likarion Wainaina (Supa Modo, Subterranea), and produced by Reuben Odanga (Nafsi, Mo-Faya).
The full storyline is still under wraps, but fans can expect the signature MTV Shuga blend of drama and hard-hitting themes, all woven together by a cast that represents Kenya’s best emerging and established talents.
Mwakaba said: “Right from the onset, we have been intentional about assembling a cast that truly reflects the diversity of Kenyan youth. As we’re embarking on the production, we are thrilled that our approach delivered not only incredible talent but also individuals able to deliver the depth and complexity of the show with the authenticity and reliability that brings MTV Shuga Mashariki’s storytelling to life.”
Likarion added: “This is critical for a series that seeks to challenge aggression, promote financial independence and foster youth solidarity for a more inclusive and empowered generation.”
MTV Shuga Mashariki will entertain while igniting vital conversations on agency, sexual and reproductive health, consent and informed decision-making, empowering young audiences across Kenya. Through its episodes, the series offers an unflinching exploration of social dynamics, tackling themes of love, ambition, peer pressure, mental health and the power of community support.
With captivating performances and visually compelling storytelling, it aims to both entertain and empower to realise change: this is part of MTV SAF’s collaboration with Shujaaz under the Surround Sound Kenya Programme which seeks to challenge norms as they affect the outcomes of young people in Kenya.
Offering audiences a powerful and relatable look into the lives of Kenya’s youth, MTV Shuga Mashariki continues the legacy of the iconic MTV Shuga series, known for addressing real-life issues affecting young people across the African continent — ranging from sexual health and relationships to family dynamics, social pressures and personal growth.
Mitchelle Kimathi sums it up: “Through the show, we are not only addressing critical societal issues but also nurturing the next generation of Kenyan superstars. From our talented directors to the fresh faces discovered during our auditions, this production continues the legacy of MTV Shuga as a platform for launching careers and telling impactful stories that resonate across the continent.”
MTV Shuga Mashariki is part of the award-winning MTV Shuga franchise – MTV-SAF’s flagship behaviour change campaign.
It is a multi-award-winning TV drama series, accompanied by radio, digital, social media, and on-the-ground educational activities, which integrates health messaging into storylines that reflect the lives and experiences of youth audiences.
The MTV Shuga series has been set in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Cote D’Ivoire and India.
